FAULTBASE
NEWSASKCars
© 2025 FAULTBASE
All rights reserved.
v2.0.0 • Production
ContactPrivacyImpressum
Home/Cars/Honda/Civic/10th Generation (2016-2021)/my Honda Civic's check engine light is on but car runs fine what should I do

my Honda Civic's check engine light is on but car runs fine what should I do

Honda Civic 10th Generation (2016-2021)

Severity: mediumDifficulty: medium1 hour
3 min read
440 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and resolve the check engine light issue on your Honda Civic. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic steps and solutions.

Component
Engine
Repair Time
1 hour

Safety Warnings

  • ⚠Disconnect the battery before working on electrical systems

Symptoms

  • •Check engine light illuminated
  • •No noticeable loss of power
  • •Engine running smoothly at idle
  • •No unusual noises from the engine
  • •No stalling or rough idling
  • •Fuel economy remains stable

Diagnostic Steps

  1. 1Scan for error codes using an OBD-II scanner to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
  2. 2Record the error codes and research their meanings to identify potential issues
  3. 3Inspect the gas cap for proper sealing and any signs of damage
  4. 4Check for any recent modifications or repairs that could have triggered the check engine light
  5. 5Monitor the vehicle’s performance for any intermittent symptoms that may not be present during initial checks

Solution

Solution

1. Preparation

  • Tools Required: OBD-II scanner, socket set
  • Ensure the vehicle is parked on a level surface and the engine is off.
  • Disconnect the negative battery terminal to reset the system.

2. Retrieve and Address Codes

  • Connect the OBD-II scanner to the vehicle’s diagnostic port.
  • Turn the ignition to the ON position without starting the engine.
  • Follow the scanner's instructions to read and save any diagnostic trouble codes.
  • Note the codes for reference and turn off the ignition.

3. Inspect and Reset

  • Reconnect the negative battery terminal after recording the codes.
  • If the codes are related to a minor issue (e.g., loose gas cap), resolve it (tighten or replace the gas cap).
  • Clear the codes using the OBD-II scanner and turn the ignition back to the ON position to verify that the check engine light remains off.

4. Monitor

  • Drive the vehicle normally for a few days to see if the check engine light reappears.
  • If the light returns, further diagnostics may be necessary based on the new codes retrieved.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

  • Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
  • Check for any error codes or warning lights
  • Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

  • •Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
  • •Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
  • •Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
  • •Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

  • OBD-II scanner
  • Socket set

Parts Required

  • New gas cap (if damaged or faulty)

Additional Information

Component

Engine

Repair Time

1 hour

Difficulty

medium

Severity

medium

Tools

2 items

Parts

1 items

Related Faults

Discover similar issues

  1. why does my Honda Civic lurch when shifting gears

    Learn how to diagnose and fix lurching during gear shifts in Honda Civic. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instructions.

    Component:Transmission
    Symptoms
    • •Lurching or jerking motion during gear shifts
    • •Delayed or harsh shifting between gears
    • +{count} more
  2. my Honda Civic has a check engine light and runs rough what does this mean

    Learn how to diagnose and fix check engine light and rough running issues in Honda Civic. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair ins...

    Component:Engine
    Symptoms
    • •Check engine light illuminated
    • •Engine running rough or misfiring
    • +{count} more
  3. why does my Honda Civic make a whistling noise when I accelerate

    Learn how to diagnose and fix whistling noise during acceleration in Honda Civic. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instruction...

    Component:Engine
    Symptoms
    • •Whistling noise that increases with acceleration
    • •Possible loss of power during acceleration
    • +{count} more
  4. why does my Honda Civic whistle when I drive at high speeds

    Learn how to diagnose and fix whistling noise in Honda Civic at high speeds. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instructions.

    Component:Body/Interior
    Symptoms
    • •Whistling noise that increases with vehicle speed
    • •Possible vibration felt through the steering wheel
    • +{count} more
  5. why does my Honda Civic make a knocking sound when turning?

    Learn how to diagnose and fix knocking sound when turning in Honda Civic. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instructions.

    Component:Suspension
    Symptoms
    • •Knocking noise when steering left or right
    • •Noise increases with speed
    • +{count} more
  6. why is my Honda Civic making a whining noise when I accelerate

    Learn how to diagnose and fix whining noise during acceleration in Honda Civic. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instructions.

    Component:Engine
    Symptoms
    • •Whining noise becomes more pronounced when accelerating
    • •Noise may vary with engine RPM
    • +{count} more

Share this solution

Comments

Sign in to share your thoughts

Sign In

No comments yet

Be the first to share your thoughts

Back to Generation